Comparison of aortic valve repair techniques with single and double ring annuloplasties.

By treating the whole functional aortic annulus, encompassing both the aortic annulus and the sinotubular junction, a greater force reduction is observed. A subvalvular annuloplasty alone is efficient in reducing aortic annulus diameter and increasing coaptation height, however, by treating the sinotubular junction as well, an additional effect is observed on coaptation height, creating a more efficient stabilization. Reduction of annular force-distensibility ratio with the double ring annuloplasty compared with the native controls indicate a sustained stabilizing effect.